We believe adventure is a human right, which is why we created the Adaptive Athlete program to help even more people discover the joy of participating in a Tough Mudder.
Through this program, we educate adaptive athletes about Tough Mudder, provide accessibility to all our events, and connect adaptive athletes to experts, supporters, and organizations that can help them take on a course.
Meet just a few of our adaptive athletes, whose stories inspire others to get involved and make Tough Mudder even more inclusive.
Meet Bea:
Bea knew taking on Tough Mudder Infinity would be no easy feat, but to pass on the chance to be part of Tough Mudder’s inaugural Adaptive Athlete scheme? Now that would be impossible.
Adaptive Athletes allowed Bea and her team to get the necessary adjustments to achieve her dream of completing a Tough Mudder Infinity. The course wasn’t made easier, but time and equipment adjustments were made to ensure she and her team could finish strong. Even penalties were changed to allow Bea to help propel her team to victory.
Bea finished the Mudderhorn—a daunting task for any Tough Mudder—in 45 minutes using ropes and harnesses. Without the additional equipment, Bea may not have been able to finish this obstacle.
Bea thanks her team and the entire Tough Mudder community for their inclusivity, dedication, and encouragement. She hopes Tough Mudder continues to allow the Adaptive Athlete program to grow and athletes to flourish.
You can read more about Bea’s journey here.
Meet Jamie:
After completing his 100th Tough Mudder, a feat for the most dedicated Mudders, Jamie shared his tips and tricks for running a Tough Mudder as an Adaptive Athlete—whether it’s your first event, or your hundredth.
First things first, you can never be too prepared. He recommends you start by studying what’s to come so you know what you’re getting into. Tough Mudder has plenty of resources to research what you’ll face at an event—use them!
But no amount of research will replace the support you receive at your event. He recommends bringing a friend (or a few) along for the journey, and reaching out for support if you need it.
You can read more of Jamie’s advice here.
Meet Ben:
Ben has walked and wheeled our courses—it’s safe to say he knows a thing or two about the mud. While his determination and perseverance shine through, he says he couldn’t complete his favorite obstacles like Electric Eel and Block Ness Monster without the help of his team and the Tough Mudder community as a whole.
“To go completely out of your comfort zone and push so many boundaries to truly test yourself, the friendships which are forged in the mud make for some of the best, truest friendships you will find,” he says. “Those people stick around and help you no matter what’s asked of them”
And he’s far from one and done. Ben has multiple Tough Mudders under his belt and can’t wait to come back for more.
You can read more about Ben’s experience here.
Meet Marla:
The party doesn’t end with your first event under your belt. At 78 years young, Marla, with the help of the non-profit organization More Hearts Than Scars, conquered the World’s Toughest Mudder.
“At 78, this was a dream,” she says. “And to be able to get with this group, who cart me around the obstacles, it’s emotional for me.”
You can watch more from Marla here.
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